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SalaryOutreach Specialist Citywide
Sobrato House · San Jose, California
POSITION: Outreach Specialist
PROGRAM/LOCATION: Outreach Sunnyvale/Sobrato House, San Jose, CA
SUPERVISOR: Program Manager
STATUS: Regular/Temporary, Full-time, Non-Exempt
**PLEASE NOTE SCHEDULE: MONDAY THRU FRIDAY, 8:30 AM TO 5:00 PM, WITH EVENING AND WEEKENDS AS NEEDED**
HomeFirst Citywide Outreach is designed to connect street and encampment
homeless individuals to shelter, services, and housing. The target populations for this program are
vulnerable, chronically homeless individuals living on the streets or in encampments
throughout San Jose. Program staff will provide a consistent presence on the roads and other
outdoor locations throughout San Jose to build rapport and trust with unsheltered homeless
residents. The program aims to connect clients to services resulting in permanent
housing.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Service 80%
- Provide street and encampment-based outreach to the homeless in San Jose.
- Provide information and referrals to community services, such as employment counseling, health
- Transport clients, in an agency vehicle, to the BRC shelter or other appropriate destinations.
- Conduct VI-SPDATS assessments to determine client vulnerability, self-sufficiency,
- Complete all appropriate data collection, Salesforce, HMIS data entry, paperwork, and tracking of
- Respond to the Homeless Helpline calls/emails for assistance within one business day.
- Assist clients with accessing public benefits and assistance as appropriate.
- Connect or refer clients to services provided at the BRC shelter service center.
- Make timely and accurate decisions in emergencies or crises with particular awareness of
- Provide street-based case management to the unhoused population.
- To provide access to emergency shelter, meals, showers, and laundry services to unsheltered
- Staff the Hotline weekly and monitor/update the Outreach bed list.
- Provide excellent customer service when staffing HomeFirst Homeless Helpline.
- Weekend and after-hours support are required when requested by the City.
- Utilize supervision appropriately, maintaining open lines of communication and providing updates
- Know and follow agency and program policies and procedures.
- Properly report any suspected cases of abuse.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or GED; Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field is a plus
- Having personal or professional experiences with homelessness
- Knowledge of highly-utilized locations in San Jose where the homeless congregate and camp
- Ability to walk long distances and on rough terrain (such as trails to creek-side encampments and
- Ability to lift and carry outreach supplies (usually in a backpack, up to 30 lbs.)
- Understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of the homeless
- Commitment to increasing the housing stability and self-sufficiency of the homeless
- Strong verbal and written skills; knowledge of multiple languages is desirable
- Good problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks
- Ability to work with people of diverse social backgrounds and professional rank
- Demonstrated effective communication skills
- Knowledge and understanding of community resources and human services
- Initiative, flexibility, and the capacity to respond effectively in all situations
- Good collaboration skills and the ability to work independently with limited supervision
- Ability to work as part of a diverse team
- Basic computer skills, including knowledge of MS Office applications and the internet
- Clean driving record
- Valid CA driver's license and legally required insurance; reliable transportation
ABOUT THE AGENCY:
We serve more than 5,000 adults, veterans, families, and youth each year at eight locations, including the Boccardo Reception Center, which is the county’s largest homeless services center. In
40+ years of experience, we’ve learned that everyone has the potential to get housed and stay housed. We are relentlessly focused on eliminating barriers to housing and stability for everyone we serve.
HomeFirst Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst Services participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.
HomeFirst Services is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.
HomeFirst Services takes pride in its safety values, the wellness of our team, and respect for everyone we serve. Due to this commitment, HomeFirst Services is mandating that all employees be vaccinated or render a religious or medical exemption effective September 13, 2021.
